THE DEPUTY AVENGER

Evening Star, Issue 20372, 2 January 1930, Page 3

THE DEPUTY AVENGER

By HEDLEY RICHARDS,

[At* Rights Reserved ]

Author of ‘The Woman Pays,’ ‘The Fatal Blue Diamonds,’ etc. CHAPTER I, The Man. It was, midnight, and the thick fog hung like a pall over Loudon bridge, hiding the poor shivering creatures who were out on such a night. One man, young, but gaunt with starvation, stood still, thinking of the black water that lay below. “ It’s a sneaky sort of way to go out of life, I wish I’d money to buy a revolver, but even the price of poison is beyond me. Well, PIT leave this for some other poor wretch. My last act shall be one of charity,” he muttered, and a low but exceedingly bitter laugh escaped him as he removed his shabby overcoat and laid it on the ground, then climbed the parapet; but as he reached the top his leg was grasped and the words: ‘‘Don’t throw,your life away,” were spoken in a grull tone. “Let go.” “ Come down. Life holds something for you yet.” The words seemed to strike the man —who had thought to make his exit—as worth considering, and he let himself down, the other man keeping a firm grasp of his coat. “Now, that’s better,” ho said, as they stood facing each other. “It depends on whether your words have any meaning,” said the would-be suicide. For answer the other man struck a match and looked at him.

“Not more than twenty-seven or eight, and you think life’s played out,” he said in a sarcastic tone, which made the young man wince. “It wouldn’t be played out if I’d a chance, but twelve months out of work sickens, a fellow', and if it’s only words you've got to offer I think I’ll go on my journey,” and lie' moved to the parapet. “ No, you won’t, I’ll whistle for the police before you shall do that; but as it happens .1 can give you work, and the W'orb will be well paid.” The younger man laughed. “Are you a philanthropist? or what is your reason for going out of your way to help me? There are thousands as poor, only they’ve more patience than I have.”

“I heard you talking to yourself. I knew, by your voice you were young, and it struck me I could help you and myself at the same time, but if you’ll com© to my hotel I’ll explain.” “ I’ll come, even if I have to com© again to-morrow to do what I intended doing to-night. You see I’m curious to knew what kind of work you are going to offer me.” , , “That’s right. Don’t bother to pick up your overcoat, though I hope it won’t be your last act of charity. Excuse me, I think I’ll take your arm.” The young man laughed. ■ “ Don’t be uneasy, 1 shall not try to slip you, curiosity -must be satisfied.” There was no reply, and they walked on in silence until they came to the end of'the bridge. “ Therms should be a taxi somewhere about here,” observed the man who had rescued him. “Ah, here is one,” and he, whistled. “Now, get in, young man,” then as the door was shut ho gave the driver the name of his'hotel. “That’s a swagger place,” said his companion. “ Yes, its pretty good. By the way, you shall have my overcoat. I daresay your clothes are threadbare.” “At the last gasp. Thank you,” as he took the coat and put it on. “ Fur lined. Why, the feel of such a coat makes one want td live,” he added. “It suggests possibilities; you’ll find a cap in One of the pockets. I daresay you would like to throw what you are wearing out of the window,” said his rescuer as ho let it down. “All right. If I have to take that journey to-morrow night 1 can go bareheaded,” replied the young man cynically, but there was more hope in his tone. . “If we don’t come to terms I'll give you a coat and hat.” “ Then there is a doubt about this work?” ' “It will bo your own fault if you don’t get it; every word you utter shows me that you are the man I require.” After this they were silent until the taxi stopped at the hotel, and giving the driver a coin the elder man linked his arm in his companions and led him upstairs. Opening a door, they entered a sitting room that was most luxuriously furnished, then he pointed to a door opposite. “ You’ll find clothes in a wardrobe in there, and the bathroom adjoins. You can have a tub, then dress yourself in some of the clothes while 1 order supper. By the way, what’s yonr name ” be added, following him into the bedroom. “Paul Jarret.” “Paul!” and he started slightly. ‘ I am called John Clifford,” and as he spoke Mr Clifford returned to thd sitting room, where ho was joined in a quarter of an hour by 'his guest. “ Now before wo get to business we’ll have supper. I sent the man away. I advise you to take just one glass of port and eaj moderately, as you’ve been on short amunons lately. ’ “ Thank you. I’m inclined to take your advice. I wonder if you ever knew what it was to feel the pangs of hunger,” he said, a» his host gave him a liberal helping of cold beef. Mr Clifford smiled in a grim fashion. “ There are few experiences I have not had; I know you thought life had done its worst for you when you decided to make your exit, but I’ve been in a far worse position. Paul Jarret, there is not any bitterness in life that I have not tasted.”

“ Yet you look prosperous.” “Yes, I am prosperous. I’m glad you’d the seoso not to say happy, but we won’t talk until you have eaten a, good square meal, and I feel I could do with supper.” Half an hour later the table had been cleared, and they wore seated m easy chairs at each side of the fireplace, while Paul wondered if this was_ a dream and he would wake to find -himself in the garret which his landlady had that morning told him he must leave. He was already too much in her debt. Then his thoughts wandered to the man who had prevented him committing suicide, and as he looked at him he encountered a pair of piercing grey eyes. “Well, what do you think of me?” said Mr Clifford. For a moment Paul did iot reply, his eyes took in (the broad brow, th ■ stern mouth, and massive jaw. Then he said:— “ I would rather have you for n friend than an enemy. “ Yes, I’m a good hater, relentless I can wait for my revenge, but I never forgot.” . There was a pause, then ho sa«l; — “You have hit mo off pretty well. Now I’ll sum you up,” and he looked at Janet from the crown of his head to the slippers that were in reality his own. but fitted the other man well. “ You will look a fine fellow when you’re in good, condition. _ I saw that before you went on the bridge.”-

“ You saw mo before?” exclaimed the other man. , “ Yes. you passed me. I was standing under a lamp, and the desperate expression on your face caused mo to follow you, not from philanthropic motives, but I require a desperate man.” Paul Jarret regarded the other man with amazement, but without noticing it he went on ; “ I saw you had the build of a line man, and that you were good-looking, with a refinement that even your shabby clothes could not hide. So much for the outside, but I wanted to know more, and I listened to your self-coin-munings. They saved me the awkwardness of speaking, and revealed to mo that you had character, also that you were disgusted with the world, and would feel kindly _to anyone who stretched out a helping hand. Is not that so?” “ Yes. and now you have clothed and fed me I should like to hear how I can repay you?” Mr Clifford looked keenly at him as he said:

“ First of all, I want to know what brought you to the verge of starvation?”

“Oh, that’s easily told. My mother was left a widow when I was a baby. We lived in Scotland, and she worked hard—she was a good musician and had many pupils—to educate me. It was her intention to fit me for a profession, but when ’ I was eeventeen she died, and I was glad to take a clerkship in a mercantile office. Then I Had a chance of a better berth in London, when .1 was about twenty-three, and I came here. Two years later the firm smashed, and I, with a large number of others, was thrown out of employment. It was weary work, but at last I got a post, but nearly a year ago they had to compound with their creditors and dismissed several clerks, as they were going on in a smaller way. For eleven months I have doaio my best to obtain work, and some time ago 1 made up my mind I would take any work I could get, but I was one of thousands, and I was thankful when I could get an odd job. Sometimes I was told I was too good for the work; others would say I was too shabby for the post; and tins morning my landlady told me I must clear out of the garret I occupied. She stipulated that I left her the only change of underlinen I possessed in lieu of rent. So you .see I had come to the end of my tether.” John Clifford leaned forward, saying in a low, emphatic tone: “ You are* the man I have been waiting for.”

CHAPTER 11. BODV AND SOUL. “ Wliat is it you want of me?” Paul asked, his hitter distrust of the world forgotten. This man was sincere, but there was something strange behind his sincerity. “ I want you to avenge a wrong, a bitter wrong that was done me years ago. The revenge will be more subtle and effective coming through a third person than it dealt by my hand.” Paul Jarret was startled. The world had used him badly, but he had no special enemy, and he warred with the world at large because there was no place for him. The past year Pad burned this fact into his very soul, until in sheer desperation he had resolved to give up the struggle, but personal enmity was a thing unknown to him, and now he was asked to be the instru ment of another man’s vengeance. ‘‘lt’s a big thing you are asking,” he answered. “ I’m prepared to pay a big price; ■you will be a rich man if we come to terms.” “A rich man!” Deep down in ms heart, in spite of the cynicism born ot misfortune, there lurked a strong desire for the good things of this world. The other man evidently understood what was passing in his mind, as ho said quietly. “ Yes, a rich man; that means enjoyment, a. grand house, motor cars, horses, iumtiing, shooting, love, and marriage. What more can the heart of a man desire?” “Truly what more? It .was a glorious prospect,” Paul told himself; then/he realised that for such things a price would have to bo paid. , “What have I to do?” lie asked, ■wondering what his work would bo, if he undertook to be deputy avenger for this man. Again John Clifford leaned towards him, and his voice, though low-, was clear aud incisive, as he said: “You will have to sell yourself body and soul to me for seven years.” 1 The young man drew back, horror in his eyes. , “Are you mad?” ho asked. “Certainly not; it is you who will bo the madman if you go out of this room homeless and penniless to finish the job i interrupted.” Paul winced; it seemed ages since he had stood on London Fridge, the warmth, food, and luxury of his surroundings had taken possession of him, and the prospect of again bee. ting a weary seeker, after work, or doing that w-hicit would write finis to bis life before it had been lived, was unbearable, and in a. sudden savage fury he turned to his companion, saying: “Are you the devil that you demand a man’s soul and hodv ? ” John Clifford answered quietly; “If the devil is filled w-ith a passion of revenge, then I am he, but you will find me a better paymaster than he is reputed to be. Now what do you say? You’ll have to serve mo seven years as Jacob served for Rachel, and afc the end yon will be a free man, with great riches;'but, mind, it’s not a simple agreement to servo me. You sell yourself soul and body, the former is to have no individuality, but be dominated by me. If -your soul rebels at what your hands have to do, still it will have to be done. You will only exist to do niy behests.” “I don’t see much enjoyment in that,” said Paul moodily. . “ There will be enjoyincnt while you are fulfilling my will; you will have wealth, friends, and what are considei d the good things of life.” “Cannot you tell mo what devilry I shall have to do during tho seven years?” “No, you sell yourself to obey my will. Of necessity, it must be a blindfold bargain, on your part. lam not going to give myself into your hands. Moreover, I could not give you details; there are certain main facts in the programme, but the working out of it must be regulated by many things It will be line upon line to you.” Paul leaned forward. “Does murder come in the programme?” he asked in a jerky tone, “I refuse to answer .your question The programme is a sealed one. You know alt I intend to tell vou Now-, will you make tho bargain or go? 1 promised you a cap and overcoat; you’ll find them in the other room,” said Clifford, in a quiet, unemotional tone. “You are a devil, but 1 cannot ‘ace the life I have left; you knew what you were doing when you brought me here; the warmth and comfort have demoralised me. If you had made your offer when 1 stood cold and despairing on tho bridge, I should have scoutrd it and gone to my doom, but you knew better than speak then, and I should say it’s quite probable that when I again face death I shall' wish I had gone under to-night.” “All tho same, Hie bargain is to be completed? ” said Clifford.

“ Yes; hut how do you.-know I shall stick to it?” ho added, looking keenly at the other man, who, however, did not -reply, but crossing the room entered the chamber, and in a few minutes returned with a sheet of foolscap. Unrolling the bottom portion, he said:

“I wish you to sign your name to that document.”

“I must read it first,” replied Paul. ”1 thought you understood-that the bargain we made was to be a blindfold one on your part? This is the first step in your seven years’) servitude.” _ _ _ 5 Paul hesitated, half inclined to go out into the night and make another desperate •struggle for life, but at that moment lie beard the rain beating heavily against the window, and his heart sank. Then, without a word, ho took up the pen. “Stay a moment. You must write Paul Clelland—that is your name henceforth,’' The name was written, and Mr Clifford carefully blotted it, then wrote below it, “Witnessed by John Clifford,” after which he took it into the other room, and in a few minutes returned.

‘‘ls it your intention to let me know the nature of that document?” Paul inquired. “ Certainly, now that it is in a place of safety. It was necessary that I should have some hold over you, or you might have refused to carry out my instructions, but that paper places your very life in ray power. The part that you did not read is a confession that you murdered a man on a certain date, which will be inserted later. I hope it will never be needful for mo to place it in the hands of the police. When 1 do, the man named in the document will have died bv violence.” “ You fiend! tfiien I’m to wreak' your vengeance on someone and die by the hangman,” exclaimed Paul. “rfo such thing. I should only use this paper if you become unmanageable, and as for murder, wo won’t even mention it as part of the programme.” , Paul breathed more freely. He began to realise that the document was to bo held as a surety for his obedience. His companion watched him closely. “You have not been very complimentary, but that was to be expected. Now we will pass to more agreeable subjects, and to begin with I’ll give you a short sketch of your own history, or rather the history of Paul Clelland. Your father went out to Australia when he was a young man, and made his pile. I knew him out there, and recently—being near his end—he wrote to me saying he wished me to invest some of his fortune in air estate m England. The rest I was to invest on your behalf, as I was a good hand at finance, and when he was dead you would come to England, and he hoped I would do my best for you in every way. Your father died, but instead of coming direct to England you have spent some time on the Continent, and only just joined me in London. That’s the story you have to tell everyone; be careful not to vary it.” “A very nice little history, but as I, have never been to Australia, and the Continent is a*sealed book to me, I should soon be discovered to be a fraud.” ”My dear Clelland, 1 shall coach you. The next few weeks you will be getting a rig out, and all the spare time 1 shall spend in giving you lucid descriptions of various places, and, as you are not a fool, it will take a clever person to find you out. The next item is to give you a list of securities and other investments 1 have made on behalf of Paul Clelland. Yon will see that you have also ten thousand pounds standing to your credit- at Messrs Coutts’s Bank,” said Clifford, handing him a bank book. “Altogether your income—apart from that sunn in the bank and what your farms on the Castlesteads estate bring in—is ten thousand a year.” “Ten thousand a year,” exclaimed Paul. j “ Yes. You see you have not made such a bad bargain. Perhaps you would like to see this, photograph of your country house, Castlesteads. It was the residence of the De Verneys, but it was so heavily mortgaged that the last man put it In the market when his father died. I bought it in the name of Paul Clelland two months ago, furnishings and eevrything, just as it stood.” The photograph showed a lovely old mansion standing in a beautiful park. The young man gazed at it for a minute or tiro —then his eyes sought hisji companion’s. ' “ Whatever your scheme is, you seem to have matured it pretty well before finding the man to fit in, unless you have tried others, and they have been bravo enough to refuse the wealth you offered.” Clifford looked steadily at him as, 1 he said:— “ You are the first man who has had the chance of refusing. T have been on the look out, here and there, and everywhere, for the last three months; but until I met you I never saw a man who appeared suitable for my re-/ quireraents.” “ Not villain enough.” “I didn’t want a villain, or I should have been suited long ago.” “One thing T should like to know. Mow does it ha open that the securities and the money in the bank are invested in the name of Paul? You didn’t know me?” “ I chose that name because I wished the man who was to, be the instrument of my vengeance to bear it, and I hope the life before you will be more to your taste than the past has been, 'You have wealth and position.” • “ I’ve sold ray soul for them. The Bible says, ‘ What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’”(To be continued.)